DACs: Airport Express vs waveterminal vs mini-dac

Dshea_32665, I have set up two nearly identical systems. One I set up for my friend, the other is mine. The only difference is that I am using the Waveterminal, and he has the Edirol UA-25.

Since the systems are set up miles apart, I cannot give you a side by side comparison, but after hearing both extensively, I would say that there is no difference.

What is fascinating to me is the difference between the MiniDAC and the McIntosh MDA1000. Switching between the two, the music sounds much different. The MDA1000 does just what they advertise; the music is smoother, less harsh, much more pleasant to listen to for extended periods. I have read numerous reviews that describe McIntosh as "musical", and that is precisely it.

Having said that, the MiniDAC might be described as ultra clear.

Both are fantastic. If I had to pick one, it would be the MDA1000.

For passing the signal through to my DAC, I've been using the waveterminal and like it a lot.

Great guys thanks. Off to ebay to buy a waveterminal. Then I can start thinking about the higher end DAC. I am using a portable AOS Piccolo DAC which is a fantastic unit for the money, but it is nowhere near the price range of those being described here.

Having some trouble getting my PC laptop to talk to the AirPort Express....

Looks like I will have to cut it out of the case to mod it - no fasteners.

I received my Waveterminal. I very much agree with the improved quality that has been discussed here. Wow what a difference. The clarity is very much improved, but without digital fatigue. The details at the soft dynamic levels are fantastic. There is also a much greater depth in the sound stage. I wrote a review of my comparison between it and the Transit on head-fi. This is the thread: http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=94520

Thanks Edumke for being the catalyst for my to get this unit. It really is amazing!

dshea